FUNAAB Appoints Prof. Dare Akerele as Director of COBFAS

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has announced the appointment of Prof. Dare Akerele, a renowned expert in Food and Welfare Economics from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management (AEFM), College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), as Director of the Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS).

The appointment, approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, is effective December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2028, reflecting confidence in Prof. Akerele’s leadership abilities and his expected contributions to the University’s development.

A distinguished alumnus of FUNAAB and Best Graduating Student of the AEFM Department in 2004, Prof. Akerele has made significant contributions to research, teaching, and community engagement in the agricultural sector. He previously served as Deputy Director of the Institute for Human Resources Development (INHURD), where he advanced academic training programs, developed a student code o

f conduct, reformed the Pre-Degree syllabus, and implemented capacity-building initiatives for tutors.

Prof. Akerele has also contributed extensively through key University committees, including the Timetable and Examination Committee (TIMTEC) and the Senate Coordinating Committee on Examination Results (SECOCER), while actively supporting COBFAS as a faculty member.

His research centers on food systems improvement, household welfare, and policy interventions for sustainable agriculture, and he continues to mentor postgraduate students. Prof. Akerele maintains strong international collaborations, serving as a consultant to organisations including the FAO, World Bank, ILO, and GIZ.

This appointment underscores FUNAAB’s commitment to strengthening practical agricultural training, research excellence, and community-focused initiatives.